Navigation Lights
There are three types of navigation lights. Masthead lights are white and usually seen on large vessels. Side lights are mounted on the forward half of a vessel and are green and red. Green is displayed on the port side and red on the starboard side. The stern light is white.
Telling Direction
With a basic knowledge of navigation lights, you can determine a vessels general direction. If you can only see the stern light, it's heading away from you. If you see one side light and the stern light, it's heading across you. If you see both side lights, it's heading toward you.
Regulations
Typically, power boats and all other vessels over 26 feet long are required to have at least a stern light and side lights. Smaller, non-motorized craft are encouraged to have both side and stern lights but usually are only required to have on hand a lantern or flashlight that displays a white light.
Small Craft
An excellent choice for nighttime paddling is a small LED lantern that is often waterproof and can be easily lashed down. A bright flashlight or headlamp shining upwards will also work. Display your light so it can be seen from a 360-degree radius.
Warning
Regulations differ from state and sometimes from place to place within a state. Do your homework before going on the water. Information can usually be found on a state's Department of Natural Resources website.
Article Written By Isaac Billings
Residing in northern Michigan, Isaac Billings began writing in 2009, with articles appearing on eHow, Trails and Run.com. A wilderness EMT-paramedic and wilderness instructor, Billings enjoys writing about the outdoors, running, health and nutrition. He holds an Associates of Applied Science in emergency medicine from North Central Michigan College.
